Tom Walbank: 300 M.P.H Ripping Harmonica

Harmonica Player of the Month!

By JP Allen

Tom pushes his harmonica skills into high gear with this video clip. It’s amazing how fast and accurate he is. I’m in awe. Check him out here:

Tom is mainly a blues harmonica player inspired by Sonny Terry. You can hear it in his playing. Born in England, he’s now harping it up in Tucson, AZ. Tom likes to say that during his first trip to a music store, he wasn’t sure whether to buy a foot long harmonica or one with 600 holes.

Lucky for us, a kind salesman suggested a Hohner (marine band) in the key of C: “10 holes is enough for me”. Check him out here, playing a harp standard, Orange Blossom Special!

Tom is also a tremendously gifted artist. Check out some of his paintings/sketches, again influenced by the blues.

In my video lessons:
Lesson 19: “Put Some Mojo on Your Rhythm”
(helps you develop your own style).
Lesson 57: “Chugging Down The House”
(incredible rhythm lesson).
Lesson 84: “I Hear A Train A Coming”
(critical harmonica skills you need to know).

Tons of Stuff. Let me help you get started.
Click Here:
http://www.harmonica.com/lessons/

Feel free to comment below and tell me your thoughts on Tom’s playing. I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Harpin’
jp

(Article by Contributing Writers: JP Allen & Joe Feeney)

Responses to This Article

•   
  Amir Hosein Nouroozi

  The Guy’s Awesome, thanks JP.

  [Reply]

    

  maxine jones

  I love this guy,,WHAT TWO KEYS IS HE PLAYING IN ON ORANGE BLOSSUM SPECIAL

  [Reply]

    

  maxine jones

  alSO , HOW IS HE PLAYING THE TRAIN WHISLE?WHAT HOLES,,DOESN’T SONUD LIKE 4 & 5??

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  I believe he is playing a 4D and leaking a bit into the 5D…also bending a little. jp

    

  JP Allen

  … try a C and an F see if that works. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Paul H.

  You’ve got to be kidding, he sounds great something else to work towards and if he has your seal of approval then he’s got mine. Keep them coming….

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  You got it Paul. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Arthur Hakalani Pacheco

  One thing I liked about this article was the appreciation of Big mama Thornton, who I was fortunate enough to see live in L.A. at the Ashgrove Club, where I was also fortunate enough to first see Brownie Terry and Sonny MGhee, what a dynamic team!
  So, thanks so much j.P. for providing this for us all out here, that are serious about playing harp and also about the blues.
  It was listening to Janis Joplin that we first heard about Big Mama, and her composition of that great song, Ball and Chain.
  We read the whole story about how Janis and the boys from
  Big Brother went down to San JOse to hear her play, etc. aloha,Arthur Hakalani Pacheco, now living in Vegas, for awhile.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Aloha Arthur, you were able to see some of the Greats…you are very fortunate. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Jefferson "Rats" Radaj

  Very sharp!
  Excellent examples and advice. He also mentioned some blues artists that never heard of.

  He’s still not OUR JP!

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Thanks for your vote. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Harold Lester

  Why is he using two harps to play The Orange Blossom Special? I remember that Johnny Cash did that, and I always wondered why. I’m wondering if they are tuned differently, even though in the same key. Thanks.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Most likely different keys so he has a greater musical palette to work with. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Rick Simmons

  Thanks JP, This guy is Very Good and going places with his Harp

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  I’ll say… jp

  [Reply]

•   
  ashley

  Great. A man with soul and feeling for blues and definately not boring
  That rendition of Orange Blossom Special was fantastic and enjoyed his comments on harp styles.
  Thanks. `

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Glad you enjoyed it Ashley. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  mike

  fantastic great player

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Right on Mike. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Dana

  Yes, he is very good. But I don’t think “fast” is always good. Sometimes it’s down-right irritating, especially when it drags on and on.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  You got a point there Dana. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Dana

  Thank you J.P. you’re an awesome teacher! I appreciate what Tom said about getting your style and playing with soul. That’s what I’m working on, it’s been my struggle.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Those are some good tips to work on, it’s not a simple task though. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  William

  Tom Walbank is playing an arrangement similar to that of charlie McCoy and I believe they both use a key of F Harp in 1st postion and a key of Bb harp in 2nd position.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Thanks for the info William! jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Tom McAndrew

  Thanks JP Thats some kick butt playing, everything you’ve sent me has been awesome your a very generous man Thanx again

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  I’m glad you’re enjoying the blogs Tom. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  BT

  Holy Buckets of Oats!

  That Orange Blossom Special…

  Downright impressive!

  –BT

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  I like your expression BT….glad you enjoyed. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Jefferson "Rats" Radaj

  No prob JP!

  Just voicing appreciation and loyalty to my excellent harmonica guru!

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Thanks Jefferson. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  KIWI

  J.P !! Thanks for showing Tom .I came across your site whilst looking to upgrade my depleated party 12set….And I will be upgrading to the Honer Hardcase that you have in your video very soon.Toms style sounds to me like an awakened Sonny Terry and sometimes Brendan Power on redbull
  Tom bought back afew memories ,His style and drive were similar to mine ,having grown up with the staunch sounds of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee on LP..I can honestly say they “Bring out the Boogie in Me “….Keep up the good work dude.
  Kia Kaha ! from New Zealand A.J

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Hey A.J., I grew up on those classic LP’s too. Love it. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Leroy Rice

  Thanks for all the info you send. This guy Tom is FAST that is for sure. Always enjoy everything you send. Leroy

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Glad you enjoyed it Leroy. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Sherry

  Aloha JP~
  Wow he is so dad burn good! Some ppl are naturally gifted. That being said, I do agree w the lady above who stated all that fast can be too much … Sometimes less is more, so you, JP, are still my fav! You have a way of teaching that cannot be topped, trust me, i have never mastered a song until taking your style of lessons. btw, just wait till you hear my Clemontine, London Bridge, Jingle Bells, etc at our upcoming retreat … Gonna Rock U Out! Out of the room, that is,,,take ya shoes off,,,ya’ll come back, ya hear! … … … Oh dear, that better be a Huge palm tree, mii gonna hide Kemosobie! Did I mention that I clog? Getting over Xcited here in the Heartland >~< … What have I gotten myself into &$);-(/@?!"'$/:,

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Looking forward to hearing all your harmonica tricks at the retreat Sherry….it’s going to be loads of fun. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Bill Steward

  Hi JP
  This guy is awesome. I get goosebumps and boy am I practicing. By the way your lessons are fantastic. I am enjoying the lessons and making much improvement – no kidding! Much to learn and learning is like stretching a piece of elastic. If we do not stretch ourselves we remain on square one. Perfect practice and plenty of it leads to perfection.
  Regards
  Bill

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Right on Bill! I’m thrilled to hear you are enjoying the lessons. jp

  [Reply]

•   
  Del Moss

  I’ve seen other harp players with the same cheek movements. Is this something that is discussed in Happy Harping? Got HH last week, on lesson 15. Gracias, amigo.

  [Reply]

    

  JP Allen

  Cheeks movements are really based on how the individual plays…a lot of players use the cheeks to store air and back up the lungs. jp

  [Reply]

Leave Your Comment Here...Say Something About this Article:

How To Play Harmonica
AND SOUND GREAT
(Do Your Notes Ever Sound Bad?)

FREE HARMONICA LESSON! Click Below

Your Email:
The Fastest and Easiest Way to Play Songs With Soul and Feeling!

 

Hi my name is JP Allen,

If you would like to receive your 5-lesson video series for free, please put your email address in the box above. I'm going to show you my favorite tricks for playing blues, rock and county music. Tricks that are pretty darn easy to learn but sound really cool.

Have you ever noticed that most beginners who play harmonica sound stiff? I have.

If you want to learn how to play the songs you love with soul and feeling, it's crucial to know what what's going on hidden inside the mouth.

Harmonica is an easy instrument, but if you don't know the shortcut secrets of what to do with your mouth, it can be pretty darn frustrating.

When you sign up for my harmonica newsletter, you will get:

Free videos that will teach you the tricks that have enable me to help tens of thousands of students.

A Free Special Report: THE BEST AND WORST HARMONICAS FOR BEGINNERS (bang for your buck)

Lot's of fun and entertaining harmonica videos that will bring a smile to your day.

I am in the business of teaching harmonica. That being said, when you sign up for my newsletter you're going to get much more cool free stuff than sales pitches.

If there's anything I can do to help you, feel free to email me at jp@harmonica.com Either I or one of my harmonica experts will get back to you pronto.

Warmly,

JP Allen
Harmonica.com

Anyone Can Play A Song And Sound Stiff. Imagine how great it's going to feel when you can play songs and sound good. Put Your Email In The Box Below And Let's Get Started
Best Email Address:

Trackback Links | RSS Comments Links